Vector network analysers cover 5kHz to 20GHz

Anritsu has added two premium models – the MS2026B and MS2028B – to its VNA Master family.

The new MS2026B and MS2028B satisfy both RF and microwave cable and antenna analysis requirements with frequency coverage from 5kHz to 6GHz and 20GHz, respectively. In addition to providing the industry's broadest coverage for handheld S-parameter measurement solutions, the new B series VNA Master offers field engineers and technicians fast tuning speed, 12–term error corrections, and a flexible user interface. Eight available measurement options, such as Internal Bias Tees and Vector Voltmeter functions, expand the utility in the field.

The new B series claims the industry's first handheld solution with 12-term error corrections for precise 2-port measurements of cables, filters, duplexers, and isolators. All four S-parameter measurements – S11, S21, S22, and S12 – can be made with a single connection using the underlying auto-reversing architecture.

With 65 dB dynamic range to 20GHz, the B series VNA Master offers the industry's most accurate measurements of magnitude and phase for applications requiring mobility. Field engineers can now effectively replace their bulky scalar and vector network analysers with a low-cost, light weight (4.4 kg, 9.9 lbs), rugged, battery-powered instrument more suited to their working environment.

With 750µsec per point sweep speed, the B series VNA Master offers the fast handheld vector network analysis measurements. The three-receiver architecture and fast sweep speed supports real-time tuning requirements for RF and microwave components on site. A flexible user interface allows all four S-parameter measurements to be displayed simultaneously on the daylight viewable 8.4-inch, full-colour, TFT display. The large VNA Master display can be user-formatted into single, dual, tri, or quad partitions, including overlays.

RF field engineers and technicians who support aerospace, defence, and general purpose wireless systems will find the B series VNA Master a vast improvement in performance, ease-of-use, and portability compared to competitive handheld instruments.

The technology in the VNA Master uses Frequency Domain Reflectometry, which is superior to TDR employed by other instruments. The handheld instruments also have optional time domain analysis and up to 4001 data points to precisely find cable faults near and far in both coax and waveguide, and display results as distance-to-fault (DTF). Field personnel can conduct swift and precise measurements as they phase match cables, troubleshoot critical system faults, and perform routine installation and maintenance tasks on all type of RF and microwave antennas. A Secure Data option makes it usable with classified measurement setup and data.

The VNA Master can store more than 4,000 traces and measurement set ups on its 1 GB of internal storage. Memory can be easily expanded via an external USB. A powerful user interface saves crucial troubleshooting time in field operations, offering soft keys, directional buttons, and a rotary knob, for precise control of instrument settings, or easy recall of traces and setups.

The VNA Master incorporates Anritsu's award-winning handheld design that has been proven in the field for nearly a decade. It also has a rechargeable, field-replaceable Li-Ion battery that allows users to conduct measurements for more than 2 hours on a single charge.